Rotherham Investment and Development Office

02/06/2026

What's taking place at Launchpad this June 👇

As the 10-year celebrations continue, Launchpad are delivering another 5 fully funded, expert-led start-up business support workshops this month.

For more information on any of these sessions and to book your place, visit our events page: https://buff.ly/nNFKLb6

01/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week (1 to 7 June 2026) we want to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our wonderful network of Enterprise Advisers here in Rotherham. The role Enterprise Advisers play in supporting young people and strengthening the connection between education and the world of work remains as important as ever.

28/05/2026

🎉 Now open in Rotherham town centre: Little Rio Café! ☕

A huge congratulations to our Launchpad client Camila on the opening of Little Rio Café, bringing the energy and flavour of Brazil to Rotherham Town Centre. ☕

The café is located at 20 High Street, S60 1PT and is open 6 days a week from 8:00am to 7:30pm (closed Tuesdays), offering a welcoming new spot for great coffee, food and a taste of something a little different right in the heart of town. 🍰

It’s fantastic to see another independent business open on the high street and we’re proud to have supported Camila's journey from idea to opening day.

📸 Take a look at these brilliant photos of the new space and be sure to pop in and show your support!

Follow Camila's journey and view their page: Little Rio Cafe

27/05/2026

🚀 FUEL: Business Finance and Funding Roadshow is coming to Rotherham!

FUEL is a UK‑wide funding roadshow designed to help businesses understand, prepare for, and access the right finance and it’s landing in Rotherham this June!

In just one day, you can:
✅ Get clear on your funding options
✅ Build credible, fund‑ready plans
✅ Meet real decision‑makers in pre‑matched 1‑2‑1s
✅ Explore commercial finance, equity investment, grants & more

FUEL brings the funding ecosystem together including banks, investors, community funds, angels and grant support, so you can cut through the noise and move from insight to action in a single day.

Key details:
📍 Aesseal NY Stadium
📅 10 June 2026
⏰ 9am to 5pm

Book your place now:
💷 Standard price £45 + VAT
To book your place and for more information, visit:

In one day get clear on your funding options, get ready with credible plans, and get funded through pre‑matched 1‑2‑1 meetings with real decision‑makers covering commercial finance, equity investment, grant support and more.

22/05/2026

Business Hubs Showcase 🏢
Welcome to Century Business Centre!

Located in the North of Rotherham, just off the M1, Century offers premium, modern office space and workshop units designed to support new and growing businesses.
🔑 Flexible 1-month easy-in, easy-out licence agreements
💼 Premium, high-quality workspace
📍 Ideal location in the North of Rotherham, with great access links to the M1
🌐 Fast broadband & telephony services
🤝 Access to free on-site business support

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, RiDO's Century Business Centre provides the perfect environment to help your business thrive.

To find out more information and to get in touch visit: https://buff.ly/trdD66j
📧 [email protected]
📞 01709 300100

22/05/2026

Our Launchpad team is delighted to be exhibiting at Local Employment Advisory Forum - LEAF 2026! 🚀

We’re really looking forward to connecting with partners, employers and attendees, sharing information on the fully funded support we provide for those considering self-employment.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday 4 November 2026, from 9am to 2pm, in the Great Hall at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The event is designed to support both young people seeking career inspiration and adults looking for employment opportunities.

See you there! 👋

For more information on the event, visit: https://www.investrotherham.com/event/leaf-local-employment-advisory-forum-2026/

To find out how your organisation can be part of LEAF26, 📧 [email protected]

LEAF 2026 went live on 30th of April and since then we have had a fabulous response with bookings from employers, training providers, and the voluntary sector.

The first to sign up to the event was Launchpad (Rotherham Investment and Development Office), who offer free start-up business support and mentoring as part of Rotherham Council.

For anyone thinking of starting a business, their business advisors are available to meet with you on a 1-1 basis to discuss start-up issues and answer any questions.

They also run monthly workshops on topics such as marketing and sales, to help you set up and run your business more effectively.

This year’s event will take place on 📅 Wednesday 4 November 2026 , from 9am to 2pm, in the Great Hall at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The event is designed to support both young people seeking career inspiration and adults looking for employment opportunities.

Visitors will be able to meet up to 60 exhibitors and take part in interactive workshops. They will also be able to speak directly with employers about current and upcoming vacancies, learn about volunteering opportunities, explore apprenticeships, and discover career routes with local businesses.

To find out how your organisation can be part of LEAF26, 📧 [email protected]

21/05/2026

📢 Rotherham Social Value Event 2026

Rotherham's Annual Social Value Event, is now in its 6th year and it will be held on the 1 June 2026 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium from 1.00pm until 4.00pm.

Rotherham’s Annual Social Value Event returns for its 6th year on 1 June 2026, taking place at AESSEAL New York Stadium from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

This event is aimed at businesses looking to better understand how to access public sector contracts and how social value supports a strong local economy. The event includes sessions on supply chains, spending local, how to win public sector contracts and writing a good social value bid.

🎟️ To book your place at the event and for more information, visit: https://buff.ly/SkCJLnK

📧 For more information, contact: [email protected].

19/05/2026

Do you have a business idea but aren't sure where to start? 💡

RiDO’s innovative Launchpad programme offers tailored mentoring and support for anyone starting or growing a business in Rotherham.

All support is:
✅ Fully funded (free to access)
✅ Designed to build your skills and confidence to run your own successful business
✅ Delivered through 1-1 support from experienced advisors and expert-led workshops

Take the first step towards turning your idea into reality 🚀

To find out more and to access support, visit: https://buff.ly/GFGNbpi

14/05/2026

🚀 FUEL: Business Finance and Funding Roadshow is coming to Rotherham!

FUEL is a UK‑wide funding roadshow designed to help businesses understand, prepare for, and access the right finance and it’s landing in Rotherham this June!

In just one day, you can:
✅ Get clear on your funding options
✅ Build credible, fund‑ready plans
✅ Meet real decision‑makers in pre‑matched 1‑2‑1s
✅ Explore commercial finance, equity investment, grants & more

FUEL brings the funding ecosystem together including banks, investors, community funds, angels and grant support, so you can cut through the noise and move from insight to action in a single day.

Key details:
📍 Aesseal NY Stadium
📅 10 June 2026
⏰ 9am to 5pm

Book your place now:
💷 Standard price £45 + VAT
To book your place and for more information, visit:

In one day get clear on your funding options, get ready with credible plans, and get funded through pre‑matched 1‑2‑1 meetings with real decision‑makers covering commercial finance, equity investment, grant support and more.

12/05/2026

Nominations are Now OPEN for the Rotherham Apprentice Of the Year Awards 2026! 🏆🥳

The Rotherham Advertiser and RIDO are are delighted to announce the 2026 Apprenticeship of the Year Awards, taking place on 9 July 2026 at the Aesseal New York Stadium.

These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of exceptional apprentices and supported interns, and to showcase the life‑changing impact of apprenticeships and internships.

✅ Who can be nominated?
• Individuals who live, work, or undertake their apprenticeship training in Rotherham
• Those currently completing an apprenticeship or who have completed one within the past two years
• No age limit
• Self‑nominations welcome

📧 To nominate, please email Kim Ollivent to request an application form: [email protected]

⏰ Closing date for applications: 18 May 2026